Mallard

The mallard is the wild duck species behind most domestic duck breeds, and mallard-pattern ducks remain familiar in ponds, farms, parks, and aviculture. Drakes usually show the green head, chestnut breast, gray body, and speculum wing patch, while hens are mottled brown for camouflage. Captive mallard-type ducks are generally smaller and more flight-capable than heavy domestic ducks, and they can resemble wild birds closely enough that source and legality matter.

People keeping mallards or mallard-derived ducks should plan for secure water access, predator protection, and flight management. In many places, possession of wild-origin birds, releases, or hybrids may be regulated, so keepers need to know local rules before acquiring stock. Diet should support natural dabbling behavior without relying on bread or poor pond scraps. Breeders and wildlife rehabilitators also pay attention to wing condition, seasonal breeding behavior, and preventing domestic ducks from contaminating wild populations through careless release.

Colors: Apricot, Bibbed, Black, Blue, Buff, Chocolate, Fawn, Gray, Magpie, Mallard, Mallard Pattern, Penciled, Pied, Runner Pattern, Silver, White